SOUTHPORT, England – There was a brief moment of suspense Saturday, a few seconds when Jordan Spieth’s shot into the 18th hole at Royal Birkdale hung up in the cool, damp air and drifted right, destined for the bunker. Matt Kuchar had just cut into his deficit, again, and now he seemed on the verge of seizing the momentum after his approach skirted past the cup and rolled 10 feet away.
Spieth looked disgusted with his second shot. He started walking after it, head down, and was genuinely surprised to hear the cheers of the capacity crowd.